Pitso Mosimane says South Africa’s Kenya draw ‘feels like a loss’

Pitso Mosimane admitted South Africa’s 2-2 draw with Kenya felt like a defeat after his side twice conceded an equaliser despite taking the lead at Orlando Amstel Arena.

South Africa moved ahead through an own goal by Amos Wanjala, but Kenya responded when Michael Olunga converted from the penalty spot. Relebohile Mofokeng restored the hosts’ advantage later in the match, only for Ryan Ogam to score a late equaliser and deny South Africa a crucial home victory.

Mosimane said he had made changes with the intention of protecting the 2-1 lead, including bringing on a holding midfielder and two wingers. However, he acknowledged that possession and attractive football would count for little if his players did not convert their opportunities.

“Yes, you’re right [it feels like a loss],” Mosimane said at the post-match press conference.

“Hence, I brought in the holding midfielder to try, and keep it calm a little bit and that’s why I brought in the two wingers who I knew they would run.

“That’s because the opponents went to 5-3-2 in the second half. So, I thought the two ones on the side they will help Aubrey and Matuludi on the side. And also strengthen the midfield to bring in fresh legs.

“But that’s football for you, right? Two goals is not enough. Playing good football is not enough. You need to take the chances. And ball possession doesn’t win games. So that’s the reality.”

The result means South Africa remain in their current position on the log, although Mosimane conceded that the dropped points made their route to qualification more difficult.

He said the team would now need to show resilience to preserve its position, while stressing that qualification remained in South Africa’s hands.

“Those are the lessons we get from here. But I don’t think we want to qualify the hard way, I don’t think we want to.

“But for me, it’s to stay where we are on the log and finish where we are on the log, right? So, it’s still in our hands. But it’s sad, it’s a bit hard. But it’s part of the game. Now we can see the character we have in the team, can we fight? Stay where we are. Because we have worked hard to be where we are.”